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Compare Desyrel vs. Valium

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Trazodone and Valium (diazepam) are both prescription medications, but they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant, specifically a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI), primarily used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and sometimes prescribed off-label for insomnia. In contrast, Valium is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, muscle spasms, and seizures. Trazodone is typically taken once or a few times a day, whereas Valium is usually taken 2 to 4 times daily. Common side effects of trazodone include sleepiness, dry mouth, and dizziness, while Valium can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and muscle weakness. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, but only Valium is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence.

  • Trazodone
    Diazepam (Valium)
  • Trazodone
    Diazepam (Valium)

  • Summary of Desyrel vs. Valium

    Summary for Atypical antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant. It's FDA-approved to treat depression in adults, but it isn't a first-choice option. In addition, trazodone is sometimes prescribed off-label for difficulty sleeping (insomnia). This medication is taken by mouth, typically once or a few times a day, depending on your condition. Common side effects of this medication include sleepiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Brand name Desyrel has been discontinued.

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine. It's used to treat symptoms of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. It can also treat certain types of muscle spasms and seizures. Diazepam (Valium) comes as a tablet and liquid solution. It's taken by mouth, typically 2 to 4 times daily. Some common side effects of diazepam (Valium) include sleepiness, dizziness, and weakness. Additionally, this medication carries a risk for misuse and dependence, so it's classified as a controlled substance.

  • Indications of Desyrel vs. Valium

    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD)
    Indications for
    •Anxiety disorders and short-term anxiety symptoms
    •Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
    •Muscle spasms or spasticity from certain conditions, such as cerebral palsy and stiff-person syndrome (SPS)
    •Add-on to other medications for seizures

  • Pros and Cons of Desyrel vs. Valium

    Pros and Const for Atypical antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Fewer sexual side effects than some other antidepressants
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Starts to work within a week for treating depression
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice medication for depression
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it
    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as tablets and liquid
    •Works within 30 minutes
    Cons
    •Might need to take multiple times a day
    •Short-term use only because risk for dependence
    •Generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Desyrel vs. Valium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (up to 41%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 34%)
    •Dizziness or lightheadedness (up to 28%)
    •Headache (up to 20%)
    •Blurred vision (up to 15%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (up to 13%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Muscle weakness
    •Problems with balance or coordination
    •Memory problems

  • Warnings of Desyrel vs. Valium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Dizziness from lower blood pressure
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Glaucoma
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Withdrawal
    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness and difficulty breathing
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Withdrawal
    •Harm to babies during pregnancy and after delivery
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Use with caution in people with depression

  • Prices with our coupons for Desyrel vs. Valium

    Learn more about Trazodone
    Learn more about Diazepam

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